Break out the champagne, and celebrate The Old Creamery Theatre Company’s 25th Anniversary and its 1996 season opening this Friday.

“This season marks a real milestone for us,” said Thomas P. Johnson, producing director, in a recent press release.

“Ten years surpasses the life expectancy of most theaters, so the fact that we are commemorating our 25th anniversary is something we are most proud of. We felt we owed it to our patrons, and ourselves, to give special attention to the shows we chose this season.”

The Boys Next Door will open Friday. This funny yet touching play written by Tom Griffin focuses on the lives of four mentally handicapped men. The men live in a communal residence under the supervision of a young social worker.

Next on the playbill is the gleefully gruesome tale, Little Shop of Horrors, which plays from May 23 through July 7. Written by Howard Ashman with music by Alan Menken, this musical is a delight for everyone. Audiences will howl with laughter as Seymour, the hero, tries to satisfy the appetite of his plant with blood, as well as win Audrey’s heart.

After that, you can hitch a ride with the Mountain Rangers as they climb aboard the country music bandwagon in Honky Tonk Highway. Written by Richard Berg, this musical will feature 17 original songs by Cedar Rapids native Robert Nassif-Lindsey when it makes its Iowa debut at The Creamery. It plays from July 11 to Sept. 8.

The Creamery Theatre’s original Comedy Cabaret is an improvisation show that is guaranteed to be different every time it’s performed. It opens on Thursday, July 11. A special gala opening is planned for the following Saturday to kick off the 25th Anniversary Festival.

The Garrison Season will feature an eight-week rotating repertory schedule. Another Creamery original entitled Cowchip Jamboree: The Death of Beanhole, will be performed on Wednesday and Sunday evenings beginning July 31. This comedy will have the audiences laughing with glee.

“We really worked hard to put together a season that would encompass everything we’ve tried to do here for the past 25 years, and that is bring you the best of live, professional theater,” Johnson said. “I am very proud of our accomplishments.”

Reserve those tickets for upcoming shows at The Old Creamery Theatre, which has one theater in Garrison and another in the Amana Colonies. Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $8.50 for youth. Box-office hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 4 p.m. For more information and reservations, call the box office at (800) 352-6262.